Not too long ago some of the children who were with us years ago were bringing up memories. One remembered how fun we made all the holidays and special days. For example, on Valentine's Day we called the girls our "Little Sweethearts". We made them breakfast in bed, and delivered it with a small red gift and a red rose or carnation in a bud vase.

One year we had a new girl, who had been badly abused and didn't trust any adults. On Valentine's Day she didn't believe that any adult would really do something nice for her, so she got up and dressed for school as usual. When Jim delivered the first breakfast to the room next to hers she started to cry. As quick as she could she jumped into bed - shoes and all - and listened as he brought the second breakfast to the room mate of the girl next door. By the time he brought hers up she was sitting in bed, fully dressed, hands over her eyes, crying, "I can't believe it's true, I can't believe it's true!"

Truth be told there weren't many real "Sweethearts" in the bunch, but we believed in them and that they needed the chance to be someone's sweetheart. We were always honored to be the ones to believe in them, no matter the behavior.

I tried to carry on that tradition but am to lazy to get up that early. I do a dinner complete with pink pasta!

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"My name is Carla Atkinson and this is a blog for foster parents and group homes. We will discuss laws, new and old. We will share ideas and we together, we will work to make the lives of children a little better."

Jim & Carla Atkinson have been married 54 years, raised more than 200 foster children and have 80 grandchildren (and more on the way!) Together they have six group homes and one large campus in California. Carla Atkinson, the author, created this space to share highs and lows, and support others who love kids as much as we do. Please visitthe Atkinson Family Services website for more information.